Who is in Your Tribe?
- opulencevision
- Jan 11
- 5 min read
Honouring your Tribe Members and their Roles
Disclaimer: The term "Tribe" is used here with deep respect and is not intended to dishonor or appropriate Indigenous cultures. Rather, it is used to honor the historical meaning of the word—referring to groups of people who share common goals, values, and history. We recognize the importance and significance of the word within Indigenous cultures and aim to use it in a way that is inclusive and mindful of its broader context.
Who is your Tribe? Your Tribe is the group of people that you are choosing to do life with. This can be the family you grew up with, or a group of people that you have found along the way that share your goals and values. Your Tribe is the group of people that you are living for and those that you can trust with your life as well.
When considering who is in your Tribe, it may be helpful for you to reflect on each member, and see the role that they have naturally played in the dynamic, or roles that they've stepped into due to necessity or maturity.
You can use the sheet below as a starting point in thinking about the different roles that people play. The ones listed on this specific worksheet are typically the ones that are in every family or tribe to keep the group cohesive and strong.
To help guide you, here's a description of each role above, taken from the book, Creating Opulence.
The Leader – someone to look up to for guidance, and ensures the Tribe is safe and healthy. The Leader is one with the wide world view, and makes informed decisions based on what they think would help the group the most
The Home-Caretaker – The person that creates the nest that allows the Tribe to rest, take refuge, train, and just enjoy life
The Chef - The Chef nurtures the Tribe by providing physical and energetic sustenance, often through food, but also by fostering connection, comfort, and vitality. They create a sense of abundance and unity, ensuring the group feels cared for and supported.
The Entertainer– The person that keeps the Tribe laughing and entertained. They teach the Tribe to savour each moment, and remind them of the best parts of life that they are all fighting for
The Peacemaker - Known for their diplomacy, this person eases conflicts, promotes understanding, and keeps the tribe in harmony. They’re a voice of calm and patience, often stepping in when tensions rise
The Healer - Someone who brings calm, care, and emotional support. This person has a nurturing presence and a natural ability to help others feel safe, cared for, and rejuvenated. They might be drawn to caregiving, emotional support, or traditional and alternative healing practices
The Builder – This is the practical creator, the one who turns ideas into tangible outcomes, whether by building, crafting, or organizing. They provide the physical or foundational support that keeps the tribe stable and productive
This exercise invites you to reflect on the individuals you consider your Tribe or Family and to recognize the unique roles they play in keeping your group connected, safe, and thriving. It’s easy to take family members—whether they are related by blood or chosen bonds—for granted, especially since they are often the most constant presence in our lives. However, being part of a family strengthens you as an individual. Humans are not meant to navigate life alone; we thrive when we collaborate and align with others. By learning to work together and communicate effectively, we grow stronger as a collective.
In my own experience, I am fortunate to have a supportive family that I know will always be there for me. Yet, I’ve realized that this constancy has sometimes led me to take them for granted. Over time, as I’ve matured, my appreciation for my parents and sister has deepened. I’ve come to recognize the roles each of us played in creating a loving and memorable home. That foundation has helped me better understand myself and the role I want to play—not only within my chosen family but also in the broader communities I’m a part of.
Letters of Reflection and Gratitude
This exercise has been taken directly from Creating Opulence is an opportunity to reflect on and honor the members of your family or Tribe, acknowledging the roles they’ve played in your life and the impact they’ve had on you. Through writing letters to each person, you can express appreciation, address unresolved feelings, and strengthen your connection with them.
Instructions:
Set the Space
Find a quiet and comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed. Bring a journal, pen, or your favorite stationary.
Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and focus on your intention for this exercise.
Reflect on Each Person
Write down the names of the individuals in your family or Tribe who have been a significant part of your life. This can include blood relatives, chosen family, close friends, or mentors.
For each person, take a moment to reflect on:
The role they’ve played in your life.
How they’ve positively impacted you.
Moments or memories that stand out as meaningful or transformative.
Any past grievances, conflicts, or misunderstandings.
Write Your Letters
Address each person individually, and include the following:
Acknowledgment of their role in your life and how it has shaped you.
Specific examples of how they’ve positively impacted you or made a difference.
Expressions of gratitude for their presence and contributions.
Words of forgiveness for any past grievances or misunderstandings, if applicable.
A heartfelt request for forgiveness if there is something you feel you need to reconcile.
Any wishes, hopes, or affirmations you have for your relationship moving forward.
Optional Additions:
Words of Encouragement: Share something you admire about them or something you believe they are capable of achieving.
Shared Memories: Recall a memory that highlights their role in your life and why it stands out.
A Gift of Intentions: Close the letter with an intention or promise for how you will show up in your relationship moving forward.
Decide What to Do with the Letters
You can choose to share the letters with each person to create deeper connection and understanding, or you may decide to keep them private as a personal practice.
If you’re not ready to share them directly, you can still create a symbolic gesture, such as reading the letter aloud to yourself or safely burning it as a way of releasing emotions and setting intentions.
Reflection and Integration
After completing the exercise, take time to reflect on how it made you feel. Write about any insights, emotions, or realizations that came up for you.
Consider journaling about how this process has shifted your perspective on your family or Tribe.
Why This Exercise Matters: Writing these letters is a powerful way to foster understanding, strengthen bonds, and heal unresolved emotions. By acknowledging the roles each person has played in your life, you can cultivate deeper gratitude and empathy while releasing any lingering tension or hurt. This process not only strengthens your connection with others but also helps you step more fully into your role within your Tribe.
You Are Only As Strong as Your Tribe
The intention behind this JEMM is for each person to fully embrace the role they play within their family or Tribe, stepping into that role with even more confidence and purpose. It’s about acknowledging the individuals who make up your Tribe, recognizing the unique impact each person has had on your life, and appreciating the essential contributions they make to the whole. Often, we may take our families or Tribes for granted, but by consciously recognizing each person's efforts and the role they play, we can reflect their strengths back to them and help them see themselves in their highest light.
May you honor the role you hold within your family, and may the love and strength you embody deepen your connections and strengthen your bonds as you move forward together.
Much love, and Happy Friday!!
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